About Adult Circumcision

Adult circumcision is one of the procedures that generates the largest number of questions at Pollock Clinics. Men considering circumcision post adolescence understandably have many concerns about the procedure and aftercare.

This post offers some information intended to answer the more common and general inquiries from adult men about circumcision at a mature age.

Adult Circumcision Procedures

Pollock Clinics performs adult circumcision procedures with two methods:

Shang Ring Circumcision
Pollock Technique™ Circumcision

Shang Ring Adult Circumcision

Shang Ring is quick, virtually painless and bloodless procedure. The Shang Ring method permits us to perform a suture free circumcision that eliminates the possibility of track marks that can be created with conventional surgical techniques.

This method was developed in China through the backing of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Pollock Clinics’ Dr Chang trained in China with the developers of the Shang Ring method and directed the licensing of the Shang Ring through Health Canada. Dr Chang performed the first case of Shang Ring circumcision in Canada and he continues to lead the introduction of this adult circumcision method in North America.

The Shang Ring consists of two concentric medical grade plastic rings: an inner ring with a silicone band and an outer, hinged ring that acts as a ligature. Conveniently, dressing changes are not needed with the Shang Ring – and no skin glue is required. The Shang Ring is removed after one week.

The advantages of the Shang Ring procedure may be benefits in your case, or our doctors may recommend Pollock Technique™ circumcision. In either case your procedure will be performed by experienced experts with a close follow-up post procedure. You are in good hands.

Pollock Technique™ Circumcision

The Pollock method uses a combination of our local anesthetic and quick surgical technique, with the Mogen Clamp and use of skin glue.

With the introduction of our skin glue closure method, we have been able to obtain an improved cosmetic outcome without the typical multiple suture track marks in the mucosa and skin compared with conventional circumcision. In addition, glue closure is 10 times as quick compared to traditional circumcision in hospitals.

The Pollock Technique™ has been successfully employed in over 40,000 procedures for babies, boys, and men at our clinic.

The Choice of Circumcision Procedure

Our doctors will evaluate your case and determine which adult circumcision method is best in your situation. Both of our techniques will deliver a good result, and the decision will be made based on our physician’s experience and professional judgement.

Some patients have a preference but given that the end result is the same the recommended approach is to let the doctor decide the circumcision technique most applicable to your procedure.

Adult Circumcision – Frequent Questions

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure itself usually takes about 15 minutes once the anesthetic has kicked in. Generally, plan to be in our office for about 1.5 hours.

Does adult circumcision hurt?

We employ a highly effective local anesthetic to ensure you are numb prior to proceeding.

How long does the recovery take?

In all cases, the minimum length of time will be 6 weeks before the wound heals.

When can I go back to work after an adult circumcision?

For those with an office job, you may return in 2-3 days. For those who work physical jobs, we suggest you rest for 5-7 days.

What kind of activities can I do or not do?

After your first week of taking it really easy you may resume regular activities as long as you are pain free, including sports or going to the gym. You should avoid any activity that puts pressure on the penis or scrotum for at least 3 weeks (biking etc.). No contact sports for 6 – 8 weeks.

When can I have sex or masturbate?

You should not have sex or masturbate for 6 weeks after getting circumcised as an adult.

How much pain should I expect during recovery?

Most adult circumcision patients find that there is minimal pain post operatively. Expect some mild discomfort after your procedure for a couple days just like with any surgery, after which there may be some discomfort during the first 2 weeks with nocturnal erections but they are generally mild and relieved with paracetamol or ibuprofen.

How long after circumcision will it hurt to have an erection?

About 1 – 2 weeks.

Circumcision for Men at Any Age

There are a number of reasons why men may choose to get circumcised at an adult age. Some require circumcision as a cure for conditions like phimosis (an overly tight foreskin) while others choose circumcision for cosmetic and personal reasons.

Whatever the reason for your choice to have circumcision later in life, we will be pleased to consult with you and schedule a surgery at your convenience.

We are sometimes asked; “Am I too old to get circumcised?” and the answer is almost invariably “no”. Men and youth of all ages have the surgery at Pollock Clinics. The most common age range for adult circumcision is 20 – 40 years old, but the procedure is regularly performed on a larger age range as requested for medical and personal reasons.

Our medical team is experienced at circumcising men of all ages, and have performed thousands of adult circumcision procedures.

Once you make the decision to have yourself circumcised please contact our clinic for a consultation appointment.